The typical curriculum in a foreign language classroom includes much more of then being able to effectively communicate in the language. We all know of the importance of bringing culture into the foreign language classroom but I wonder if this is even more important at the elementary level? For me, it's hard to generate ideas about activities that would be appropriate for elementary level students surrounding target culture except for songs and games which I feel can have a certain amount of variety and effectiveness amongst elementary students. One particular activity that I remember in my elementary school was fiesta night: a sort of carnival like atmosphere where foreign language students would have activities for the entire school community to learn about the target culture. These kind of events can can create lasting memories for students and made pique an interest in foreign languages
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Foreign languages in the elementary school
As an elementary student, I was lucky enough to attend a school at which we were exposed to foreign-language education at a young age. I feel as though this is had a profound impact on my life long love ot languages. Although my Spanish education was not formally graded until sixth grade, I do feel as though I had benefits over some of my other friends who attended other elementary schools. The early exposure to foreign languages may give a student who is weak in the other areas another avenue where they can excel.
The typical curriculum in a foreign language classroom includes much more of then being able to effectively communicate in the language. We all know of the importance of bringing culture into the foreign language classroom but I wonder if this is even more important at the elementary level? For me, it's hard to generate ideas about activities that would be appropriate for elementary level students surrounding target culture except for songs and games which I feel can have a certain amount of variety and effectiveness amongst elementary students. One particular activity that I remember in my elementary school was fiesta night: a sort of carnival like atmosphere where foreign language students would have activities for the entire school community to learn about the target culture. These kind of events can can create lasting memories for students and made pique an interest in foreign languages
The typical curriculum in a foreign language classroom includes much more of then being able to effectively communicate in the language. We all know of the importance of bringing culture into the foreign language classroom but I wonder if this is even more important at the elementary level? For me, it's hard to generate ideas about activities that would be appropriate for elementary level students surrounding target culture except for songs and games which I feel can have a certain amount of variety and effectiveness amongst elementary students. One particular activity that I remember in my elementary school was fiesta night: a sort of carnival like atmosphere where foreign language students would have activities for the entire school community to learn about the target culture. These kind of events can can create lasting memories for students and made pique an interest in foreign languages
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Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that being exposed to foreign languages at an early age can have a profound impact on our interest and ability in that language later in our lives. I remember I took a "Spanish class" in first grade where we were assigned a Spanish name and we learned the numbers. Unfortunately, our education ended after those two short lessons. I think I would have benefitted greatly from continuing with a foreign language. My middle school didn't offer any foreign language classes either, so I didn't start a French class until I was a Freshman in high school. I understand that not all students understand languages, or it doesn't come quite so easily, but the same could be said for math or science, yet we are still required to take those classes. I know that when schools have to make cuts to programs it's always the liberal arts, music, and art classes that are the first to be cut. However, I think that these classes, especially foreign language should be more highly revered than they currently are.
I think that it is a wonderful idea to start second language instruction in elementary school. At a younger age it is easier to learn a language than it is as an adult. That being said, it has to be taught in a certain way. Most elementary schools in the US only teach foreign languages as vocabulary and some basic phrases. This does not help the students much. Ideally we would send our students to be taught in bilingual schools, so that they pick up a second language naturally. At that age it would be very quick. Since that is not always possible, the next best option would be to have bilingual elementary teachers, who could try to immerse the students in the target language and culture as much as possible. If you look at many countries in Europe, they start teaching foreign languages at a much younger age and they are much better with foreign languages than we are. If we adopted this model we would no longer be a monolingual nation.
ReplyDeleteI think it is hard for us to imagine teaching language in an elementary school because none of us (correct me if I'm wrong) really went through a thorough, K-6 primary school language program. I too had a few once-a-week classes in Spanish in the first grade, but the only thing I remember is the Spanish name I chose. Anyway, I think that much of early elementary foreign language education does consist of games and songs, as you mentioned - that is what is appropriate with young children. This is the level at which TPR comes into play, because children whose language systems are still developing will be more responsive to that method than adults. You can't move as quickly through complex grammar topics with children, because you can't sit them down and talk about indirect object pronouns. The whole process of teaching is different, and I actually can't imagine teaching language at that level. I have no former experience to go off of! But I think there are a lot of critical thinking and social skills to be gained by starting to learn an language earlier than we typically do in the US.
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